Washington, DC – The July 4th holiday is full of fun with family, friends, and celebrations. With all the festivities surrounding the weekend, The Century Council wants to remind drivers to be safe this weekend and to not drive drunk. The Century Council has a unique animated card which reminds individuals to make the wise choice, which is to stay safe and not to drive drunk this holiday weekend. Please share the animated card, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Alcohol-impaired driving crashes (BAC = .08 or higher) accounted for 32 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States in 2009, however, 40 percent of the traffic fatalities during the Fourth of July holiday period involved a drunk driver. In 2009, 410 people died in motor vehicle crashes during the Fourth of July holiday period, including 162 people killed in drunk driving fatalities.

Emphasis on drunk driving and underage drinking is not only placed during the holiday season. The Century Council has worked diligently over the past 20 years to reduce the occurrence of drunk driving and underage drinking. Since its inception, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities have decreased 32 percent to a record low. During this same time, current underage alcohol consumption decreased 33 percent, to a historic low 27 percent. The Century Council is proud to celebrate its 20th Anniversary and the successes in the fight.

“Everyone has a role to play in fighting drunk driving; especially during high-risk periods, such as holidays. Federal, state, and local governments, as well as the general public, need to support efforts to educate citizens of the dangers associated with drunk drivers. Take action and spread the message to not drive drunk this holiday weekend,” said Ralph Blackman, President and CEO of The Century Council.

The Century Council
The Century Council, which has been at the front of the fight against drunk driving and underage drinking since its inception 20 years ago, is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking and is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc.; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; Pernod Ricard USA; and Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia and chaired by The Hon. Susan Molinari, The Century Council is a leader in the fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking and promotes responsible decision making regarding beverage alcohol. The Century Council develops and implements innovative programs and public awareness campaigns and promotes action through strategic partnerships. Established in 1991, The Century Council’s initiatives are highlighted on its website at www.centurycouncil.org.